What are the Red Spots On Fiddle Leaf Fig?

To ensure no wilting, drooping or floppy Fiddle Leaf Fig, many gardeners fetch them water generously but end up with eye-soaring red spots.

No need to worry! These can be managed easily with a few tips and tricks to protect your precious plant.

Thus, continue reading so I can guide every step you need to take to treat red spots and preventive measures.

Are Red Spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig: A Plant Dying Sign?

Just because Fiddle Leaf Fig has red spots on its leaves does not mean it is dying.

Red spots on the Fiddle Leaf Fig usually mean they are troubled by pests or fungal diseases.

According to the University of Florida, red spots arise due to excessive moisture in the plant, followed by high levels of sunlight.

What are the Red Spots on my Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Spider Mites, Bacterial and fungal infections are a few common culprits that cause red spots in Fiddle Leaf Fig.

You should take immediate treatment if any plant becomes afflicted with spider mites.

Environmental-related stress, overwatering, underwatering, and sunburn, can also induce red spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Here is a list of all potential causative agents that result in red spots in Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves.

Let’s look at the problems in detail, shall we?

1. Edema in Fiddle Leaf Fig

One of the most shared causes of red spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves is Edema.

According to the Missouri Botanical garden, Fiddle Leaf Fig is more sensitive to circumstances leading to Edema/Oedema.

The gradual increase in pressure due to excess water build up on leaves eventually causes leaves to burst, leaving behind red spots.

Edema often affects new sprouts leaving older foliage safe. Red spots generally are 1-3mm and do not cause holes in the leaves or stem.

Remember that Edema is not a bacterial, viral or fungal infection, so you won’t need to quarantine them.

With appropriate adjustments in the watering regimen, those spots can disappear with gradual growth.

How to Prevent Edema in Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves

Here are a few things you can do to prevent red spots in Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves due to Edema.

• Slowly lower the watering routine, but avoid severe droughtiness.
• Invest in a moisture meter to know when to water.
• Proceed to repot them if the soil looks drenched and smells foul.
• Aim for well-draining soil with moderate water retention.
• Adjust watering habits in accordance with varying temperatures, humidity and sunlight.

2. Spider Mites & False Spider Mites

Besides the Edema, both Spider mites and false ones can also cause red spots in Fiddle Leaf Fig.

They are tiny red, yellow insects that reside underside the leaves and produce white silk-like webs. They suck plant juices by piercing plant cells.

But false mites do not produce a web but appear dust-like on leaves with the reddish body.

The damaged leaf cells appear in tiny yellowish or bleached spots and cause the leaves to turn pale bronze.

Generally, Spider mite-infested plants often have patterns of silvery dots and silky soft webs on the leaves.

As they have rapid growth, they can severely damage the plant if left untreated, and both Mites can be dealt with identical treatment approaches.

How to Deal with Mites on Fiddle Leaf Fig

Here are some immediate measures to treat Spider mite infestation in Fiddle Leaf Fig.

• Use strong water jets to dislodge residing Spider mites on the plant and aim for the bottom of the leaves, as that is where they live.
• Prune off affected leaves using a sterilized pruner and discard them somewhere safe.
• Apply dormant oil to eliminate any Spider mite eggs in the plant during winter.
• Dip cotton balls in isopropyl alcohol and rub them underside the leaves to kill pest eggs.
• Although a slow process, natural predators like beetles or lacewings can lower mites’ population.

Spider mites are most likely to invade plants on dry, hot days. So, do not forget to keep your plant hydrated with regular mist.

Also, apply neem oil and insecticide spray to discourage Spider mite infestation and other pests.

3. Sunburnt Foliage

Although they proliferate in a bright, sunny location, Fiddle Leaf Figs not accustomed to direct sun can get sunburn.

The scorched Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves have bleachy red, brown and even white spots on the leaves.

Sadly, the scorched leaves can not be reverted. Thus, prune away severely scorched pale leaves.

If you notice a leaf discoloration, move the plant away from direct sunlight or use sheer drapes.

You can place Fiddle Leaf Fig in an east window for optimal light, ensuring a few hours of direct morning sunlight.

4. Bacterial & Fungal Infections

Often consistently high humidity and excess water invite bacterial and fungal infection.

These infections can also cause red or brown spots to develop on the Figs’ leaves from time to time.

As bacterial and fungal infections can spread, quarantine infected plants as soon as possible.

Fungal infection in the root due to excess water accumulation in the soil often results in rotting, leading to red spots on leaves.

Immediate Treatment

• Snip off the infected parts.
• Repot the plant in fresh soil and clean the pot with drain holes.
• Apply bactericides enrich in copper to control bacterial infections.
• Use antifungal treatment spray or use cinnamon, a natural fungicide.
• Do not mist or shower the plant if you identify any signs of bacterial infections.

Besides overwatering and high humidity, your plant can get infected when you bring over infected plants.

Thus, carefully inspect the new plants before adding them to your collection.

5. Watering Issues in Fiddle Leaf Fig

The main culprit that makes Fiddle Leaf Fig sick is the improper watering habit.

All issues except for sunlight are introduced one way or another in plants by overwatering.

However, underwatering also causes brown, reddish spots starting from the edges of the Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves.

Yellowing, drooping leaves, stunted growth, root rot, and nutrient deficiency result from underwatering the plant.

Treatment for Underwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig

• Thoroughly water the plant till the water begins to ooze out from the drain holes.
• If the soil is arid, poke holes in the soil, then water to allow proper absorption.
• Keep the plant in bright indirect sunlight and avoid keeping them near air vents.
• Water the plant once a week to avoid soil drying out.
• Increasing humidity around the plant also helps when the plant is underwatered.

Regular watering will perk it back if your Fiddle Leaf Fig is droopy with slight browning leaf edges.

But severely brown, crispy dry leaves won’t recover, so carefully prune them.

Tips to Prevent Red Spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Figs are not tricky plants and require minimal care and effort.

But they become infested with pests, diseases, and environmental stress, which can cause red-brown spots on the leaves.

Here are a few other tips and tricks to prevent red spots in Fiddle Leaf Fig.

• Allow the top inches of potting soil to dry in between the watering schedules.
• Aim for a flexible watering routine that can be adjusted accordingly.
• Increase watering in the active growing season while cutting back during the dormant winter season.
• Keep the plant in bright indirect sunlight and utilize drapes to reduce sunlight intensity.
• Slowly acclimatize Fiddle Leaf Fig to direct sunlight before placing them outdoors.
• Regularly clean the leaves with soapy water to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
• Promptly prune infected leaves to maintain the proper height of the plant.